As America marks its 250th birthday – Playing Picasso is hosting a community art contest

Playing Picasso is hosting a community art contest in which we are inviting participants to paint a 4.25” ceramic tile with an image that explores the question:

Your answer might involve a place, a memory, a tradition, a piece of music, a special person, a favorite meal, etc. It may be inspired by people you love, or the community you’ve found. It may celebrate the beauty of many cultures, perspectives, and stories that all exist side by side, there is no right or wrong answer.

Rather than focusing on politics or current events, this project is intended to celebrate the different people, and shared humanity that makes America special. We hope to encourage participants to reflect on the values that bring people together such as family, community, resilience, art, and much more.

All of the finished tiles will be displayed in our studio as a collective art installation, and will serve as a reminder that every story is valuable and that, together, our individual experiences are all essential pieces in the complex history of our nation.

– Theme: What makes America feel like home to you?

– Open to the first 25 participants who come into the studio and sign up.

– Each participant will be given one free 4.25″ ceramic tile to paint their artwork on.

– Tiles are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

– To sign up we will need your name, phone number, and email address.

– One completed entry per participant. All ages welcome.

– Submit an artist statement about what your image represents (can just be a few sentences long).

– The winning artist will receive a $250 gift card to Playing Picasso.

– We are closed July 4th, so contest entries will begin Sunday, July 5th at 12pm.

– Participants will have until Sunday, August 2nd at 6pmto return their completed tiles and artist statement to the studio.

– All tiles will be fired at the same time. Once they are fired, the Playing Picasso team will choose their top 10 favorite tiles.

– Once the top 10 tiles are chosen, voting will open up for selecting the winning tile. You will be able to vote in person and on social media.

– Voting will last for 1 week. The winner will be contacted about picking up their $250 gift card prize. We will also announce the winning piece on social media.

– All 25 tiles will continue to be displayed in our studio after the contest concludes.